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Tag Archives: Austerity

Last November 14th was marked by a general strike that spread across many european countries, regarding the efects of the economic crisis and the repercussions it had on the european people. Here are some selected shots i took in the demonstration in Lisbon, Portugal.

The 24th of November marked yet another protest march, with demonstrations in Lisbon and several other portuguese cities on the day of a general strike.

The protesters once again stood in front of the parliament with reivindications for less social and economical injustice and to protest against the policies the government have implemented in order to face the debt crisis.

Ph.: Filipe Serralheiro

Several union groups and anti-capitalism groups were involved, in a demonstration of thousands where situations of confrontations with the police occurred at several locations, including a small group of demonstrators trowing glass bottles at the police, fire crackers explosions and the use of pepper spray on the crowd.

In front of the parliament the protesters took down the fences separating them from the police. at least three demonstrators were arrested and one photojournalist got injured.

On the second day of deliberation and approval of the state’s budget, about 200 people gathered in front of the Portuguese parliament to protest the measures approved. Some members of CGTP union gave speeches at the rally. Lisbon. 11th November 2011

Once again portuguese people protest against the cutbacks proposed by the government, about 200 people joined those still occupying the spot in front of the parliament, made signs and expressed theyr feeling towards the measures taken to contain the debt crisis felt in portugal.

At about 17pm CGTP, a national workers union, marched towards the parliament and prepared speeches in front of the crowd of protesters. They then voted against the policies aproved by the government, including the supression of 4 national holidays. 11th November 2011

The Portuguese people, being a complacent and peaceful people, would hardly engage in riots and destruction, we have all the proof of that looking backwards to all the manifest done since the revolution of the 25th of April 1974.

And even that revolution, a military one, was mainly peaceful and got known by the name “Revolução dos cravos” ( Carnation‘s Revolution) because the soldiers used the flowers in they’re guns and tanks instead of bullets, ( they displayed them on the gun’s barrels, not actually shooting them 😛 )

That’s why this last manifest was important. No, there was no violence or riots or such. But the tensions got exceptionally high, regarding the Portuguese people, and somewhere along the way the manifesting people broke the police line and invaded the Parliament’s stairs. In fact, the police had to call the Riot control squad, wich is not ver usual. (Please notice how nice, shiny and new they’re equipment is on the photos).

Hope you like the photo report, shot by Filipe Serralheiro for FS | imaging. – Here!